About Fiona Parr

Background and personal history

My interest in personal development began at the Findhorn spiritual community in Scotland where I lived from 1978. I have taught self-development and group consciousness through circle dance in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. In 1991 I reached a point of change in my life, and that's when I became interested in Focusing. It has helped me so much that I took the Practitioner training in 2000, and the Teacher training in 2001. I am now a BFTA recognised Certifying Mentor, a Focusing Institute Co-ordinator and a qualified teacher of adults (PGCE). I am passionately committed to facilitating people's unfolding to their inner wisdom and I enjoy seeing the resulting changes in their lives.

I incorporate Kevin McEvenue's Wholebody Focusing, and Healing Movement into my work. I run workshops in Focusing with movement and dance, and with creativity. Every Focusing teacher and practitioner develops his or her own style and approach. I am particularly interested in combining the two Focusing approaches of Inner-relationship Focusing, which develops a strong sense of presence, and Wholebody Focusing, which awakens spontaneous inner-directed movement.

I am based on Dartmoor in Devon, UK, and I work in Exeter, Totnes, Newton Abbot and Bristol, as well as here in Sticklepath on Dartmoor.

Supervision

As a BFTA accredited Focusing Practitioner I am committed to seeking regular supervision and continuing her professional development. This ensures my work is effective and adheres to strict ethical guidelines.

Confidentiality

I am committed to confidentiality and I work within the BFTA Code of Ethics and Operational Philosophy. Copies of these guidelines are available on request. Under no circumstances will any content of a Focusing session be repeated unless specific permission to do so is granted by the individual Focuser. It is also recognised that an individual is in charge of revealing or keeping private their sensitive and private matters in order to feel safe.

My personal qualities and teaching attributes as evidenced by tutor observations during my training at the University of Plymouth 2003:

Fiona is very clear in her presentation.

Highly attentive to her students.

Very relaxed and comfortable in her teaching.

Student participation very high.

Able to lead discussions and open it to her students.

November 2003 Barbara McGavin

Fiona creates an open environment for people to talk about themselves.

She demonstrates a passion for her subject, which helps enthuse others.

Very good listening skills when students were talking.

She creates a very calm, peaceful atmosphere in the room.

October 2003 Jackie Petherbridge

There is a clear developmental process here.

The facilitation is carried through well, through the pace of the delivery, the tone of the voice and the opportunity for intervention on the part of the learning group, encouraging collaborative reflective review as the process progresses.

Fiona is well prepared with materials.

September 2003 Gillian McQueen

Fiona's presence as a tutor allowed the students to participate in a genuine community of learning.

A secure practice, offering, explaining, and facilitating understanding with clarity.

Allowing discussion and avoiding 'indoctrination' of the subject.

March 2003 Gillian McQueen

A good level of planning and preparation was evident.

Appropriate resources were organised, and materials were available for the group.

A range of methods was planned, with activities for the learners.

Learner/teacher trust immediately established.

Excellent level of participation

Highly effective communication.

Fiona pays attention to detail and values the learners.

A well-planned learning experience - a managed approach.

Fiona is supportive and encouraging throughout - a sensitive shared learning experience.

February 2003 Carol Dalton

Fiona the Teacher